Candidates balance between needs of campaigning and health

Touring thousands of kilometres, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, a diabetic, at times doesn’t even get time to eat or take his insulin shots.

But doctors and experts caution that despite the back-breaking campaign schedules, candidates in their bid to woo voters should not overlook their health.

Nutritionists said that candidates, who are campaigning in the summer heat should keep their bodies hydrated and take care of their vocal cords. 

Though, many candidates are careful about following their doctors’ advise, Kejriwal, who is the face of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is not one among them.

“His schedule has gone haywire; he is not even able to take insulin on time. Since it has been a series of whirlwind campaigning for him, he does not even get time to eat,” a close aide said. 

“Kejriwal has not even been able to meditate, which he earlier religiously used to,” the aide added.

Sunita Chowdhury, chief dietician at BLK Super Speciality Hospital, added, “They must also carry handy packets of coconut water, lassi and juices, besides water to keep themselves hydrated. If one can take some time off for yoga or meditation, it will infuse energy.” 

Cricketer-turned-politician and Congress candidate from Tonk-Sawai Madhopur Mohammad Azharuddin said he has always believed in eating healthy. "I frequently sip a hydration solution while out in the sun. I am on a light diet which helps me talk and walk a lot,” said Azharuddin. 

Health experts also advise the candidates to care for their vocal chords as well. Lalit Mohan Parashar, senior ENT consultant at Nova Specialty Hospital, said they should refrain from excessive voice modulation and maintain an even-toned pitch.

“When candidates want to express a certain point, they tend to use emotional changes in the voice as well. They are hence advised to use an even-toned voice to express themselves instead of resorting to modulation,” Parashar said.

“They should have items like misri (sugar lumps) and cardamom,” Parashar said. “It is also essential to maintain vocal hygiene, which involves frequent sips of water so that the salivary film over the surface of the vocal chords does not break. Such breakages can lead to hoarseness,” he added.

Experts also recommended steam inhalation in the evenings for instant throat relief. The candidates, who end up walking long hours during their roadshows and other meetings are also advised to maintain a proper posture to avoid muscle spasms and joint pains.

"They should avoid sitting on the ground, and travel in low-height vehicles," Sharad Kumar Aggarwal, senior orthopaedics consultant at Max Healthcare, said.